ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to host the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) from October 15 to 16, 2024, in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as the current Chair of the CHG, will preside over the meeting, as announced by a Foreign Office spokesperson.
The meeting will see the participation of the prime ministers from SCO member states, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the First Vice President of Iran and the External Affairs Minister of India.
The Prime Minister of Mongolia (Observer State) and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, along with Foreign Ministers from Turkmenistan (Special Guest), will also attend.
On the sidelines of the meeting, PM Shehbaz is expected to hold important bilateral discussions with the visiting heads of delegation.
The CHG meeting will focus on ongoing cooperation in various fields, including economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages. The leaders will review the organization’s performance, make significant organizational decisions to enhance cooperation and approve the SCO budget.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar emphasized the importance of the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting for bolstering Pakistan’s global image and fostering regional collaboration. In a video statement, he noted that all preparations for hosting the event are complete, describing it as a significant honor for the country.
He assured that law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure the security of the international summit, stating that disruptive elements will not be tolerated.
Tarar expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to warmly welcome esteemed heads of government and dignitaries, noting that PM Shehbaz has personally overseen the arrangements to guarantee a hospitable reception.
He added that the Federal Capital has been beautified to ensure visiting guests leave with a positive impression of Pakistan.
